For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Matt. 10
Even though Jesus predicts stiff opposition, He repeatedly tells His followers, “Do not be afraid.” Why? This chapter contains another one of those kind of odd statements that we tend to gloss over with only a surface understanding. When giving instructions on where to stay, Jesus told His disciples, “If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.” (Matt. 10:13). This statement captured my attentions this morning, driving me to think on it a little deeper. In doing so, I find the statement to be rich with all kinds of meaning.
One thought I had is that, though Jesus brought peace to this world, not everyone accepts it. We live in a world where the Evil One, who opposes anything from God, currently has free rein. I have said before and I stand by the truth that evil can never be at peace with anything good. Thus, if Jesus’ disciples brought His Spirit of peace to a home that was filled with the spirit of evil, they would not find a good reception. As Christ’s servants we, too, have to expect that not everyone is going to accept us and our message. We can’t force peace where it isn’t wanted. Nor do we need to add to the dissention. Instead, we need to do as Jesus instructed His disciples and simply walk away.
Another thought I had was about what it means to “let your peace return to you.” On doing some very brief research on it, I ran across an article that pointed this phrase out as an idiom, which it quite likely was. The writer of the article gave a translation of the idiom’s meaning as, “Greet them, and if they are unwelcoming then leave without regret.” The truth I see here is that it is not our job to save the world. That is a burden far too heavy for us to bear. Ours is merely to carry the message. We are to freely give of the peace God gave to us. If someone will not share in that peace with us, however, we don’t need to lose an ounce of it over their rejection.
Is. 53-54
Which parts of this prophecy about the future glory of Israel speak to you? Why? I continue to be amazed by the many ways God reveals His plan for our redemption in the Bible. In this prophecy, God compares the redemption of His people to the days of Noah. “To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again.” (Is. 54:9). To me this just punctuates Noah’s story as our story.
Noah was a righteous man living in a wicked and corrupt world. Because of his faithfulness, God provided him and seven others in his family an escape from His judgment on the world. After bringing them safely through that judgment, God made a promise to Noah to never again flood the earth that way. He sealed this promise with the sign of the rainbow. We who believe in God’s promise are like Noah, living for God in a wicked and corrupt world. Jesus is our way of escape from God’s coming judgment. After God unleashes His judgment on this wicked world, having brought His children safely through, His promise is to never be angry with us again. We, as His redeemed remnant will forever dwell in His love and peace. Jesus is the assurance of this promise, which is sealed by God’s Holy Spirit.
Ps. 114
What is the psalmist’s question, and how does he answer it? To me, the Psalmist points out that nothing can stand in God’s way. God’s very presence can and will accomplish whatever He intends.